Although the Government has been emphasizing the need for getting vaccinated for COVID 19, several misconceptions still prevail among the people about its efficacy. A large number of persons also think that this vaccination drive is Government’s plan to divert attention of the society from other important issues.
Those who suffered and their family members, however, are worried and are living under fear of getting infection. The Live Nagpur talked to some of the prominent doctors of the city on these issues.
Dr Vinky Rughwani, Vice-President of Maharashtra Medical Council and President of Thalassaemia Society of India stated that the vaccine just reduces the severity of the infection. Awareness about the infection and its impact has increased. The two vaccines Covishield and Covaccine, both are effective, with a difference of only a few days of protection.
About mutant of the virus, Dr Rughwanni said that study on the new virus is underway. However, both vaccines are effective against the new mutatnt virus.
DR Archana Kothari, President of Indian Medical Association, Nagpur Branch stated that everyone who has taken first dose of vaccine should ensure that the second dose is also taken within the specified period.
She also stated that IMA is organizing programmes to generate awareness among people about the virus and vaccines. ‘COVID Samwad’, being held with the help of Nagpur Municipal Corporation is one such effective awareness programme.
Dr Lokendra Singh, Director of Central India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur has posted his experience on facebook. He has given valuable tips based on his own experience. He along with his family members suffered from the infection.
He has stated that personal care like handwash, using mask, social distancing, using sanitizer etc are important for reducing exposure to the virus. Vaccination alone is no guaranteed protection. He himself was fully vaccinated, but got the infection. Even smallest of symptom should not be neglected. Besides RT-PCR test CT Scan should also be done to know infection, if any, in the lungs. Fever or muscle pain after the vaccine dose, should not be taken lightly. Test after 5/6 days has been advised. Keeping a close watch on other symptoms, oxygen saturation etc is very important.
Dr S D Patil, ENT surgeon stated that both the vaccines are effective. Covishield is being given at maximum centers. Getting any of the two is important. The directions issued frequently and are changing should not be mixed. The protection measures must be followed seriously.
Vaccination for those above 45 years of age will be started from April 1, Besides Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Government hospitals a large number of private centers have been administering the vaccine. The doctors have appealed to the people to get the vaccine dose, but also follow the protective norms seriously.
